Early Detection of Nematodes in Walnut Orchards
Agriculture in the Central Valley has grown to be an industry that produces 17 billion dollars annually. Nematode infestations account fo Ruperts to 15% of crop losses due to tree stress, losing over 240 million dollars annually. The Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center and the Unmanned Aerial Systems Engineering Service Learning team are teaming up to reduce the effects of nematode infestations on walnut orchards using thermal imaging. The UAS team is in the process of validating a proof-of-concept prototype system that scans and detect nematodes in walnut trees, with field testing scheduled for early November 2020.
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Client:Merced County Cooperative Extension (MCCE)Across California, the University of California’s 64 Cooperative Extension offices are local problem-solving centers. We are the bridge between local issues and the power of UC research. Our county-based staff is part of the community – we live and work in the areas we serve. |
